Loosen adhesive / caulk on roof pizza box without damaging gel coat

Padre · 10-09-2022, 12:40 PM

My escape hatch on the roof needs replacing. I have the exact replacement ready to go. Can anyone recommend how to loosen and remove the adhesive without damaging the gel coat?

Ian and Sue · 10-09-2022, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padre

My escape hatch on the roof needs replacing. I have the exact replacement ready to go. Can anyone recommend how to loosen and remove the adhesive without damaging the gel coat?

Why not just replace the hatch part? I think you loosen a set screw on the hinge and the old one will slide off at the hinges and slide the new one on. Oh yeah the lift arm would need to be removed too...seems waaaay easier than removing the whole frame if it is not damaged. It is all aluminum I think.

Padre · 10-09-2022, 01:05 PM

Problem is, the frame is damaged. The whole thing needs to come off.

rubicon327 · 10-09-2022, 02:04 PM

How about a heat gun on low and work it loose carefully with a plastic putty knife?

Padre · 10-09-2022, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubicon327

How about a heat gun on low and work it loose carefully with a plastic putty knife?

Rubicon, good to hear from you. I don't have a heat gun but I guess I could get one. Probably better than using chemicals.

BillDavis9663 · 10-09-2022, 02:34 PM

If the escape hatch is caulked the same way as the manual vent then heat gun and plastic putty knife is one way to go. Also gloves/towel to roll and peel the caulk as it gets hot. Remove screws as they are exposed. Clean up with denatured alcohol. Took me about 2 hours to remove the vent working slowly. The entire vent lifted out in one piece.

rubicon327 · 10-09-2022, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padre

Rubicon, good to hear from you. I don't have a heat gun but I guess I could get one. Probably better than using chemicals.

Same. Hope all is well. I have been happy with this one...
http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-wa...gun-56434.html

Chasing Trials · 10-10-2022, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padre

Rubicon, good to hear from you. I don't have a heat gun but I guess I could get one. Probably better than using chemicals.

Could try a hand held hairdryer? Even better look in thriftshops. Always seem to have them.

cpaharley2008 · 10-10-2022, 11:14 AM

Another alternative is to cover the hatch before it disintegrates with one of these....https://www.google.com/search?client...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

rubicon327 · 10-10-2022, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasing Trials

Could try a hand held hairdryer? Even better look in thriftshops. Always seem to have them.

You could try it but a hairdryer is typically under 200F. A heat gun can give you 1000 - 1300F of concentrated heat if you need it. All depends on the application. Padre would be much better served with a heat gun for removing adhesive. Heat gun intensity can be controlled by using temperature setting, distance from object and duration of heat application.

Rossue · 10-10-2022, 06:06 PM

If Proflex was used by Escape as they do in lots of places then a hairdryer will work just fine.

SWCO · 10-10-2022, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Another alternative is to cover the hatch before it disintegrates with one of these....https://www.google.com/search?client...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Would that cover prevent it from functioning (as intended) as an emergency escape hatch?

Padre · 10-10-2022, 06:47 PM

Yes, it would. I'm going to go the heat gun route. Maybe capture the steps and report back. Also maybe document the embarrassing reason why I am doing it in the first place.
Thanks all.
Padre

cpaharley2008 · 10-10-2022, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWCO

Would that cover prevent it from functioning (as intended) as an emergency escape hatch?

I am not aware of any of your roof vents being considered emergency escape exits, they are way too small for an adult, Maybe just my head......in addition these covers can easily be pushed aside with a broom stick. Your rear side and if optioned opening rear are labeled "emergency exits"......

Ian and Sue · 10-11-2022, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padre

Problem is, the frame is damaged. The whole thing needs to come off.

Bummer...sorry to hear that. As others have said a heat gun should work. Get one at Home Depot for under $50. Also acetone can help.

Ian and Sue · 10-11-2022, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I am not aware of any of your roof vents being considered emergency escape exits, they are way too small for an adult, Maybe just my head......in addition these covers can easily be pushed aside with a broom stick. Your rear side and if optioned opening rear are labeled "emergency exits"......

5.0 TA has a larger hatch over the bed that is an escape hatch.

BobG · 10-11-2022, 08:56 AM

This is the way I remove hatches that are set with marine caulk and screws or an adhesive caulk. I have also used this to remove exterior lights and electrical receptical from my Escape. This kit has had lots of use over the years. Maybe a heat gun or hair dryer will work easier for the sealant that was used by Escape to set the hatch you are working on.

I use masking tape around the edge to protect the gelcoat then an artist's pallet knife (visit art store) sometimes shaped by me to a point and then small wood wedges that follow along behind the knife.

After removal clean the fiberglass with alcohol. If difficult to remove adhesive was used to set the hatch then acetone may be necessary to remove it but follow this with water and/or alcohol. Acetone is hard on gelcoat.

Perry Butler · 10-11-2022, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I am not aware of any of your roof vents being considered emergency escape exits, they are way too small for an adult, Maybe just my head......in addition these covers can easily be pushed aside with a broom stick. Your rear side and if optioned opening rear are labeled "emergency exits"......

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian and Sue

5.0 TA has a larger hatch over the bed that is an escape hatch.

Our hatch over the bed in our 5.0 is definitely big enough to be an escape hatch. I often stand in the bed, open the hatch, stand up and look outside. It would be as easy to climb out as the escape window by the door. The jump off the roof might break a couple of bones, but it sure beats burning to death cause I can't get out the door.

I also used that hatch to install two of our 100 watt Renogy panels on the roof. The hatch is nearly two feet wide by 16 or more inches long. Sure beat standing on the ladder to install the panel between the Maxxfan and the AC.

Enjoy,

Perry

cpaharley2008 · 10-11-2022, 09:54 AM

Having not been inside a 5.0 Escape, I am not too familiar with them.....now a 19 or 21 is another story.....

Iowa Dave · 10-11-2022, 10:54 PM

Some of us would have challenge enough in exiting the emergency hatch on the 21. On the other hand you never know what you’re capable of in a crisis. Hope I never need to know. Probably need a tube of red and tacky in a holder by the window frame.
Iowa Dave

You may also like: